Maritime Education In UAE Enhanced As Sharjah Maritime Academy And Sharaf Group Sign MoU

Sharjah Maritime Academy has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Sharaf Group that links academic programmes to real industry training in the UAE. The agreement covers sea-going placements, shore-based internships, tailored courses, and graduate employment support, aimed at building a skilled, sustainable maritime workforce for national economic growth.

Under the MoU, Sharaf Group will host cadets from Sharjah Maritime Academy’s Marine Technology and Marine Engineering Technology programmes on sea-going training voyages. The Group will also offer internships on shore in maritime logistics, port operations, supply chain management, and marine services, while sharing information on suitable vacancies for qualified graduates.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Dr. Hashim Abdullah Bin Sarhan AlZaabi, Chancellor of Sharjah Maritime Academy, and Sharafuddin Alsayed Mohd H S M Yousif Sharaf, Vice-Chairman of Sharaf Group. Their agreement highlights a shared goal to match academic learning with operational practice in the shipping and maritime sectors.

Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Al Zaabi stated, "This partnership reflects our commitment to aligning academic excellence with real-world industry requirements. Through this collaboration, we aim to equip our students with the skills, competencies, and professional exposure needed to contribute effectively to the UAE’s growing maritime sector." The statement underlined expectations for stronger links between the classroom and vessels, ports, and logistics operations.

Sharaf said, "This MoU with Sharjah Maritime Academy reflects our long-term commitment to developing Emirati talent and strengthening national capabilities within the maritime and shipping sector. By combining world-class maritime education with real employment opportunities, we are creating a sustainable pipeline that empowers Emiratis to lead and shape the future of this vital industry." The comment places Emirati workforce development at the centre of the cooperation.

Beyond cadetships and internships, Sharjah Maritime Academy and Sharaf Group will design customised training courses and joint certification programmes that align with international maritime standards. The partners will also cooperate on professional development activities, supporting staff skills and industry knowledge in areas relevant to maritime transport, logistics, and port-based operations.

The MoU further includes joint work on community engagement and corporate social responsibility programmes. These efforts will cover maritime awareness campaigns, sustainability initiatives, youth-focused activities, structured career guidance, and participation in industry conferences and maritime events, helping to raise understanding of maritime careers among students and the wider community.

The partnership between Sharjah Maritime Academy and Sharaf Group represents an important step for maritime education and workforce development in the UAE. By combining academic programmes, industry training, and targeted community initiatives, the MoU supports national plans to strengthen maritime and logistics capabilities as drivers of long-term economic activity.

With inputs from WAM